CAYLA

2023
Applications closed
The world is constantly changing
The world we live in changes every single day. Machine learning, blockchain, metaverse, surgery in augmented reality have become the new normal. What is the next “big thing” tomorrow? And today?
How do we ourselves change? What about our friends, colleagues, partners? Our views and values, goals and dreams — is there any constant in this world at all?
Some of us are still convinced that we can sidestep the issues of climate change, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, and social inequalities. It won’t affect me, and there is nothing I could do.
But who can?
We are changing the world
Central Asia Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) is an interactive platform for young leaders from Central Asia to learn and connect with each other.
CAYLA unites civically responsible young leaders from across the region, bonded by a shared passion for positive change in their communities.
In 2023, CAYLA launches a new call for applications. For the third time since 2020, we invite active citizens from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan aged 18 to 30 to an honest conversation about our complex and interconnected world, sustainable and regenerative development, and global citizenship.

This world needs new ideas. How about we put our heads together and start co-creating a better future?
CAYLA — |
the concept of global citizenship
a new perspective on leadership
Focus of CAYLA
update and upgrade of old patterns of work with social challenges
personal and professional development
cultural and historical context of Central Asia
Values
regenerative approach
value of every human being
diversity and inclusivity
solidarity
civic responsibility
honesty with oneself and others

Do you know that...

... CAYLA has included more than 340 young leaders and community activists across Central Asia, linking them with other young civic leaders in the region, established civil society organizations and government officials in the region and globally who share their goals, values and passion for positive development.
These are the CAYLA’s cornerstones:
What topics we talk about at CAYLA
systemic and critical thinking
BANI-world
challenges, trends, paradigms
civil society & its role
regenerative development
future work
nature of innovations
new forms of civic engagement
work with stereotypes
self-awareness & your role in society
and how we work:
rethinking ourselves and the world around
building collaborations
creating own projects
staying authentic
supporting informal intellectual environment
The main working language of the program is Russian. General sessions and group work can be performed in English as well.
understanding own path towards social impact
people skills
What you can get participating in CAYLA
like-minded community
ability to manage uncertainty
approaches & tools for project management
curators' support with project development
One more thing...

CAYLA participants also study Project Design and Management, Effective Communications, Creative and Critical Thinking, Public Speaking, Fundraising, and Monitoring and Evaluation. All members have access to an additional catalogue of self-guided modules.
Your CAYLA Journey
Apply
until 12.03.2023
Orientation Session
share with friends
Learn & Practice

seminar in Almaty,
Kazakhstan
learning sessions within the whole cohort
— hands-on group work
— meeting with experts
— feedback from peers and workshop trainers
— gain clarity about next steps
Finalize Your Project
23.06 & 07.07.2023
— get support from trainers & curators
organize teamwork
— write a project proposal

Apply for Grants Competition with Your Project Proposal
12.06–12.07.2023
Learn more about the grants competition
Stay in Touch
14.09, 28.09, 12.10, 26.10.2023
meet the community
exchange experience
(re-)charge
Applications closed
— meet all the participants
set learning goals
get to know how CAYLA works
12.05.2023
online
offline
29.05–04.06.2023
online
online
Participants
you are passionate about making positive change in your community and/or the region
We invite you to join CAYLA if:
you believe the responsibility for the world we live in starts from within
you are ready to rethink yourself and the world around
you want to develop your personal and professional competences
you are ready to create and implement your own social project
are 18 to 30 years old at the time of application
CAYLA is open to individuals who:
are citizens & residents of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan
showcase strong motivation to participate in the program
have experience in volunteering or other community services
have clearly articulated need for contribution to the positive development of their community or the region (an idea for a social project is an advantage) 
are committed to actively participate in the entire cycle of the program 
How many people will be selected for the new CAYLA cohort?

Approximately 120 new CAYLA members will be selected for this cycle in an open and competitive process. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong background in community engagement, volunteerism, and community development projects.
CAYLA Curators & Trainers
Q&A
Organizers and Partners
Central Asia Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) is a part of Social Innovation in Central Asia, a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Eurasia Foundation. The goal of the program is to cultivate a vibrant and responsive civil society in Central Asia.
USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. 

To learn more, please, visit the USAID Central Asia website and Facebook page.
Eurasia Foundation is a non-profit international development organization dedicated to engaging citizens and empowering communities globally. Since its establishment in 1992, Eurasia Foundation has expanded its reach and scope of operations, upholding its core mission to empower citizens to take responsibility for their own prosperity. Eurasia Foundation works with the US government and other public and private donors to help citizens build sustainable communities in the areas of governance, online learning and intercultural exchange. 

To learn more, please, visit www.eurasia.org.
Impact Hub Almaty is a platform providing full-fledged support for social innovators of Kazakhstan and Central Asia since 2017. Being part of the global Impact Hub Network consisting of more than 100 hubs with more than 16 000 members on 5 continents, Impact Hub Almaty contributes to systemic development of social innovations.

To learn more, please, visit impacthubalmaty.net.
resense360 is an international organization working in the areas of social innovation, education, culture & arts, regenerative development, organizational development, and development of civil society. In its work, resense360 combines consulting, education, and project management. 

To learn more, please, visit resense360.org.
Central Asia Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) is designed by Eurasia Foundation’s Social Innovation in Central Asia program and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The contents of this web page are made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of Social Innovation in Central Asia and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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